Texas Rangers make major upgrade in landing Corey Kluber

The Corey Kluber trade watch is over, as the Cleveland Indians are reportedly sending the righty to the Texas Rangers.

For more than a year, there had been plenty of speculation surrounding Corey Kluber. The Cleveland Indians reportedly had their ace on the trade block, with a myriad of possible destinations being discussed. Yet, perhaps due to the Indians asking price, or his injury in 2019, Kluber remained in Cleveland.

That has changed. According to reports, the Corey Kluber Watch is over, as he will be heading to the Texas Rangers, pending physicals.

Kluber underwhelmed in 2019, making just seven starts due to a fractured forearm and a strained oblique. He did not look like an ace when he was on the mound, posting a 5.80 ERA and a 1.654 WHiP over his 35.2 innings. He did manage to strike out more than a batter per inning, but his 3.8 BB/9 rate was his highest since 4.1 inning sting in 2011.

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The Rangers, meanwhile, are hoping that they acquired the Kluber that was one of the better pitchers in the American League from 2014 through 2018. During that time, he was a three time All Star and won two Cy Young awards, finshing third in two other seasons. Overall, he posted an 83-45 record with a 2.85 ERA and a 1.016 WHiP, with 1228 strikeouts and just 223 walks over his 1091.1 innings.

Cleveland, meanwhile, has to wonder if they held on to Kluber for a year too long. There was a great deal of interest in his services last year, with the Padres amongst the most ardent pursuers. However, the Indians demanded a much larger return, and appear to have lost that gamble.

As it stands, the return is somewhat underwhelming. Delino Deshields Jr and reliever Emmanuel Clase are heading back to Cleveland. Deshields is a solid center fielder with respectable speed who could give the Indians a true leadoff hitter. Clase performed well in his 21 games in Texas, and with his upper 90s fastball and hard slider, could be a back of the bullpen arm. Yet, Kluber would have commanded a much larger return last year.

For Texas, this is another step in the process to completely overhaul their rotation. They had brought in Mike Minor and Lance Lynn over the previous two offseasons, with Kyle Gibson and Jordan Lyles being signed this year. Kluber, if healthy, gives the Rangers a formidable rotation as they enter their new ballpark, and a legitimate chance to compete for the postseason in 2020.

The Texas Rangers have ended the Corey Kluber Watch, acquiring the righty from the Cleveland Indians. If he is healthy, this trade will turn out to be a steal for Texas.